Therein lies opportunity for the Miami Dolphins and quarterback Ryan Tannehill to try to exploit. The Patriots have allowed the third-most yards passing (289.4 per game) in the NFL. Opposing quarterbacks have a 93.0 rating against them and have thrown for 22 touchdowns.

By contrast, the Dolphins' oft-shredded pass defense is 26th with an average of 261.7 yards allowed, 14 touchdowns and an 83.0 quarterback rating against.

Even the best teams have areas of vulnerability, and the secondary is a point of contention with the Patriots.

...

The Patriots have been scorched for more than 300 yards passing seven times this season, including twice each by Ryan Fitzpatrick and Mark Sanchez.

...

Although the Patriots have been victimized by numerous big plays, they have countered with 18 interceptions.

Um, how often are teams ahead of NE where they can concentrate on the run? The patsies are quite often beating teams down the stretch of games, forcing those teams to drop back and pass more consistently. I don't see this as a mind blowing statistic

It is going to take Miami's best effort to beat the Patriots. The Pats by far are a better well rounded and better coached team. Controlling the line of scrimmage and not allowing Brady to breathe will be the keys to victory or else if he gets to sit back and pick us a part, the score could get ugly. That fast paced short passing game can be unstoppable when the Pats get into a rhythm and the fins cannot allow that to happen.